Penn's Hamburgers may close for good

DECATUR, AL (WAFF) - It's been a part of the Decatur landscape for more than 80 years, but CF Penn's Hamburgers could soon be part of history itself.

Dr. Franklin Penn Jr. is known for being a psychologist in Hartselle schools, but he is also a co-owner of Penn's Hamburgers,

"In the first place I don't want to [close]," Penn said. "We're thinking about it because the economy is not good. Business is off for us, just like it is for most other people."

What Penn and his siblings are thinking about is closing an 82 year tradition of burgers, fries and more.

One waitress, Lillian Coggins, has been at the restaurant for 36 years.

"I just think I'm not young enough to get another job," Coggins joked.

"Everyone who grew up in Decatur has a Penn's Hamburger story," said WAFF 48 News reporter Bobby Shuttleworth. "My mother used to be a bookkeeper at Hunter Furniture store on 2nd Avenue in Decatur. There were some days my brother and I would accompany her to work and when we did, she would take a lunch break and we would go to CF Penn's for a burger."

Wally Duffey can relate.

"I grew up in Decatur and in 1968 my parents moved to Scottsboro, and every time I come to Decatur now I stop by Penn's and get a hamburger," Duffey said.

Monta Brackin said they have the most delicious hamburgers in the world.

"I'm from Moulton," Brackin said. "Never come to Decatur without stopping at Penn's."

It's a tradition mixing a large amount of oil, breading and beef which gives the burgers a flavor all their own.

Penn's has a history which has been at the heart of the River City for awhile. Just ask Coggins.

"Oh Lord, yeah, we've seen a lot," she said. "This is just like a home away from home."

Three adult males and one juvenile were arrested in Limestone County on Thursday after a four-hour manhunt and charged with multiple counts stemming from a string of vehicle thefts.

A ground search ensued that lasted about four hours and covered approximately six miles, ending a few hundred yards east of Hays Mill Road where the suspects were caught in a hunting stand/shoot house.

A ground search ensued that lasted about four hours and covered approximately six miles, ending a few hundred yards east of Hays Mill Road where the suspects were caught in a hunting stand/shoot house.

A nonstop route to Orlando is coming soon to Huntsville International Airport. Silver Airways, an airline based out of Fort Lauderdale, will start the new route on May 23, 2018. The airline made the announcement on Tuesday. Silver plans to fly its new ATR-600 aircraft to complete the 600 mile trip. The ATR-600 is a twin-engine turboprop aircraft that can seat up to 70 people on some models. Silver Airways says its model will feature leather seating, increased leg room and sp...

A nonstop route to Orlando is coming soon to Huntsville International Airport. Silver Airways, an airline based out of Fort Lauderdale, will start the new route on May 23, 2018. The airline made the announcement on Tuesday. Silver plans to fly its new ATR-600 aircraft to complete the 600 mile trip. The ATR-600 is a twin-engine turboprop aircraft that can seat up to 70 people on some models. Silver Airways says its model will feature leather seating, increased leg room and sp...